I’m from Kansas. My name is Dorothy Gale.
I could weave for you a fantastic tale
about farmhands, a twister, and a floating abode;
flying monkeys, little people, and a yellow brick road;
a wizard and witches and old, yet new, friends;
ruby slippers, little Toto, and how the magic all ends
when the needy at last see they’ve had all along
what they thought they were lacking and then became strong.
I could tell how the clicking of heels took me home,
for there’s no place like home. I have no need to roam.
 
But instead of creating a long narrative,
I’ll just say from my heart how much I love to live
on a farm here in Kansas with people who care.
The great lesson I’ve learned, I am happy to share:
a trip over the rainbow was not what I needed.

© by Janice Canerdy.
Used here with the author's permission.